Third film at the Ealing Oldies Network. 

The 18 people present were enthusiastic. They appreciated the film   and the exchange of views at the end was very lively and informed. It was evident that a few had some experience in the issues raised about caring.  It is the third time I present this film to a group of old people and the general thought is that  it should be a film that is generally distributed. According to Lumiere data base,  it counts only 339 564 viewing in the whole of Europe.

Below some notes taken by Marjorie

Notes from film shown on 20.11.2017 at Quakers Meeting House

Sisters were depending on Martha to care for their learning disabled sister. Everything was fine until Martha suddenly dies.

This is a very common problem when the main carer dies. It is also a very general problem in many parts of the world.

There was insufficient communication and planning between the family members. Family not communicating with wider community or making the most of what support might be available in the community.

Peoples attitudes towards Pauline the sister with disability was mainly negative.

Pauline not given the opportunity to learn skills as it was easier and quicker to do things for her such as buttering her bread.

Some tender moments between Pauline and sister Paulette. Paulette lived in a very colourful almost fantasy world of bright colours and her operatic stage life. Pauline always wanted to stay with her sister Paulette. Pauline was drawn to the bright colours and fantasy world of Paulette. When she was with her sister Martha, the house was utilitarian and colours were very drab and her own clothes were dark and old-fashioned. Paulette gave her nice bright clothes and Pauline looked much better.

All the sisters were frustrated with Pauline at different times. When Pauline lived with her sister Cecile, Cecile had an opportunity to see her boyfriend as being self-centered, selfish and impatient with Pauline.

Lady in butcher shop nasty to Pauline.

After Paulette gives up the operatic society, sells her shop and moves to the seaside she comes to realise that she has different values to her old friends. Paulette is facing retirement which is an adjustment for her too. She realizes she is replaceable and no longer important in the operatic society.

Pauline was probably able to do more than she was ever allowed to do if shown and if adjustments were made. Pauline was very innocent in her manner. Pauline helped her sisters to open their eyes and see what is important in the world. Pauline made changes. Her interest moved from flowers to birds. The scene in the care home was very touching. Pauline was able to form a relationship in the care setting she found herself in. Sometimes it almost seemed as though Pauline was able to see through other people.